Bookworm: A term that doesn’t mean you only love reading. It is merely an umbrella term, or short introduction which, when you unpack it, actually says: Lover of tales, slight obsession with vintage covers, probably has a feline friend, if lost check your nearest bookshop or library, is usually accompanied with either coffee, tea or wine, could be either very sarcastic or sentimental or both. They are likely very docile creatures, and you can expect a reasonably fun-ish time with them. Worst case scenario, you’ll be forced into every bookshop you pass.

So, if you want to avoid being shoved into a book pile when hanging out with me, please avoid the bookshops below. They are my favourite, and it will take you a really good cappuccino and possibly a kitten or puppy to lure me back out again.

Bikini Beach Books

Bikini Beach bookshop in Gordon's Bay.

Where
Gordons Bay

Why
Filled to the brim with second-hand books to dig through

Books stacked against wall inside Bikini Beach bookshop

Other great points
Overlooks the ocean | Rare gems to be dug out | Very vintage | Close to soft-serve shop

Bargain Books in Canal Walk

Where
Century City, Cape Town

Why
Great manga collection

Other great points
Very friendly staff | Signed books | Great Sci-Fi + Fantasy collection

Verbatim

Verbatim bookshop in Stellenbosch.

Where
Dorp Street, Stellenbosch

Why
Quaint bookstore with a small, yet beautiful selection of books

Verbatim bookstore, children's books

Other great points
The romantic and free Stellenbosch atmosphere | Close to a variety of coffee shops | Lovely owner | Vintage air

Liberty Books

Where
Grabouw

Why
Monthly book club meetings over wine + pizza

Other great points
Lovely owner | Book events | Pop-up bookstore at the popular farmstall, Peregrine | Willing to help you find books, even if they don’t have it in stock | Variety of new and second-hand books